NSAIDs might be good alternatives for pain management, but prescribers should still be careful how they use them. That’s according to a new study finding that the anti-inflammatory medications raise the risk of heart attack even within the first month of use. Were any of the drugs safer than others?

Longer Use of Hormone Therapy Linked to Menopausal Hearing LossWhile previously assumed that reduction of estrogen after menopause leads to hearing loss in older women, a new study suggests the answer could be more complex. Find out why researchers believe that use of oral hormone therapy also plays a role.

Study Uncovers Safety Issues With Beta Interferon for Multiple SclerosisUsed to treat multiple sclerosis for years, beta interferon has been assumed to have relatively few side effects. A British Columbia study finds the medication is still relatively safe but raises concerns about therapy-related problems such as stroke, migraine, depression, and blood abnormalities. Here is more information.

Smoking-Cessation Drugs Found Safe for COPD Patients

Concerns about adverse side effects have kept many chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients from receiving effective antismoking medications. Now, a new study suggests those worries might be overblown, and that bupropion or varenicline appear safe for lung-disease patients. Here are more details.